Les Vêpres siciliennes was Verdi’s first grand opera. Originally written for the Paris Opéra, it follows in the tradition of French grand opera laid out by Meyerbeer. Though a huge success on its premiere (it was performed some 62 times in Paris in its first year alone), it failed to gain a place in the Paris Opéra’s repertory and as a result is one of Verdi’s lesser known works. This is the first time the opera has been performed at the Royal Opera House and promises to be a unique opportunity to see an operatic rarity.

The Story

Set amidst the turmoil of the French occupation of Sicily, Les Vêpres siciliennes is a tale of revenge, family relations and patriotism. Hélène longs to avenge her brother’s death at the hands of the powerful Guy de Montfort and in her bid for vengeance, she turns to the partisan Jean Procida and the rebellious patriot Henri. However, Henri’s discovery that his life and Montfort’s are closely entwined throws him, Montfort and Hélène into confusion and turmoil.

The Production

Stefan Herheim’s production is set in a stylized version of the very opera house in which the opera had its premiere. In this way, the production not only depicts the emotional and political struggle between the French and Sicilians, but also the tension between artists and art, and those who use and abuse it.

Set-piece ballet was a crucial part of grand opera, and themes of dance and the seedy voyeurism associated with it in the nineteenth century are woven into the production with performances throughout by eight tutu-clad dancers. Find out more about the production.